Program Manager

About Us:

At BCD Meetings & Events (BCD M&E), we provide more than meeting and event planning services: we create connections that inspire, motivate and change behavior for our customers. As the world’s most trusted and innovative meetings and events agency, BCD M&E cultivates a culture of people, passion and purpose to drive business forward. 

Headquartered in Chicago, with locations in 50+ countries across the world, BCD M&E’s team of 1,800+ people are committed to sustainability and driving success for our customers, our business and ourselves. Our values are at the heart of everything we do, and we look for people that want to be a part of something special, can rise to our standards and love to bring their unique perspective to the table.

While we can’t guarantee every day will be the best (who can?), we can promise a community of people who genuinely care and lead with empathy, a flexible workplace with awesome perks and challenging work that means something. 

See what life is about at BCD M&E at bcdme.com/careers

Program Manager
We are looking for a Meeting & Event Support Manager to join our dynamic team. In this client facing role, you will be responsible for providing operational support, as assigned, and will be accountable for Cvent data and budget maintenance across the organization. You know how to keep projects running on time and have mastered the art of managing multiple priorities at once. Sound like you? Read on!

Your responsibilities 
•    Execution of program responsibilities, as assigned, from the point of meeting registration through post-program closeout (will include some onsite management)
•    Consult with meeting host to gather all relevant details, use expertise to help guide decisions, and maintain continual communication on progress
•    Take ownership of all assignments, to ensure all milestones are clearly communicated and met 
•    Maintain the highest level of quality, professionalism, and integrity in everything you do
•    Sourcing/Contracting

• Initiate property or venue search, leverage client preferred properties, monitor responses and prepare availability grids
• Create, send, and review a Request for Proposal (RFP) for client meeting needs. Be thoughtful in your hotel/venue choices and recommendations, keeping customer satisfaction, value, and compliance top of mind.
• Negotiate Terms & Conditions of contract with selected hotels/venues using client-specific language, methods, and templates. Understand client needs, procurement practices, norms, and expectations.
• Use your existing contacts and build new relationships with clients, vendors, NSMs, CVBs and sales teams
• Understand all contract clauses, if not written as per client language or omitted, that would pose overall risk to the client; Communicate the associated risk of a venue contract to the client
• Communicate and negotiate effectively with all hotel & vendor partners
• Basic budgeting with hotel / venue recommendations

•    Meeting Coordination

• Facilitate meeting room set up, food and beverage selections, and a/v requirements between the meeting host and the venue(s)
• Process and track deposits, pre-payments, and audit final billing

•    Registration 

• Build low to mid-complex attendee websites and meeting mobile apps in Cvent and monitor room block and attendee registration
• Facilitate rooming lists and reservation updates throughout the life of the meeting

•    Data Management

• Create and update budgets as necessary and reconcile final budgets
• Support the team in maintaining accurate data entry / record keeping via Cvent system
• Facilitate data clean up tasks across the organization

You’re good at 
•    Taking ownership of assigned tasks and convey confidence
•    Maintaining a professional presence at first impression and on-going
•    Communicating with clients in a fast-paced environment
•    Managing multiple priorities and being adaptable 
•    You have exceptional communication and problem-solving skills, are calm under pressure and work well in a collaborative environment 
•    Providing superior customer service
•    Teamwork. Establishing long lasting, professional relationships with clients, co-workers, and vendors. 
•    Experience sourcing or planning programs at both hotel and non-hotel venues (i.e.. restaurants)
•    Communicating and negotiating with vendors. You have knowledge of sourcing best practices and keep abreast of new destination options, well-priced seasonal destination options and “hot date” offerings.
•    Cvent, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace.
•    Supporting meetings or conferences– at least 3 years’ experience

You should know
•    This role is virtual to sit in the continental USA. Will require some travel (max 20%)
•    Preferably located in the Eastern or Central Time Zone.
•    Full time position (40 Hours)

You might also have 
•    A bachelor’s degree

What we offer you 
•    A culture of purpose where we are invested in your happiness and career growth
•    Competitive salary and benefits package 

How to apply
Click apply now to be considered
 

THE PERKS

Flexible Working
We believe that a flexible working environment is key to getting the best out of our teams. We will support you to work where you need to and when you need to, depending on how you work best.

Room to Grow
Our line of work and business structure challenge our people in a way that inspires growth, with learning and development built into every role. We give individuals ownership over the direction and speed in which they grow.

Everyone has a voice
We thrive on conversations that spark curiosity and empathy. No matter how big or how small, every voice is heard, considered and respected.

Make your move
The diversity of roles across BCD M&E’s global locations means that our people often find new adventures during their time with us. Join us as a meeting planner role in the UK, stay for a global marketing career — there’s always room to move.

We’ve got you covered
Our extensive benefits include comprehensive healthcare, retirement plans, continued education support, diverse work locations, travel and hotel discounts, volunteer and sustainability opportunities and a successful employee recognition program.

We’re positive. You’ll love it.
It starts from the top. Our leaders lead with positivity, believe in our people and trust us to do the right thing. There will always be support along your journey, in little and big ways.
 

We carefully consider a wide range of compensation factors, including your professional background and experience. The salary range for candidates in applicable jurisdictions in the US for the position of Program Manager is between $55,000 - $65,000 The actual pay depends on your skills, qualifications, experience, geographical location, and project budget.

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